Online MBA Curriculum
Curriculum Details
33–51 total credits required
The online MBA curriculum requires the completion of five business core courses, one quantitative course, and five electives. To earn an emphasis, you must complete four elective courses from the same discipline. The MBA curriculum also requires up to 18 credit hours of prerequisite courses for students who have not completed sufficient academic coursework or have not earned a grade of B or better in courses previously taken in business areas.
Core Courses (15 hours)
Concepts and techniques for producing and using accounting information for management decisions will be examined in this course. Topics include cost behavior, break-even analysis, cost management systems, marketing/production decision models, capital, and operational budgeting. Lab fee may be required.
In this course, students will study classical and modern management theories of organization; the functions of management; external and/or environmental aspects bearing on managerial responsibility; development of practical management policy as guides to managerial decision-making; and human aspects of management including motivation, workplace equity and demographic diversity. This course includes the use of case studies to apply theory through practice. Lab fee may be required.
This course introduces students to the principles of marketing, the role of marketing in society and in organizations (for-profit and nonprofit), and the factors that influence marketing decision-making. Activities include the study of planning, pricing, promotion, and distribution of products and services to consumer and business markets. The course will increase students’ overall understanding of marketing as a business discipline; utilize systematic approaches to diagnosing and solving marketing problems and issues; and analyze and develop organization-wide marketing strategies as well as strategies for individual programs, services, or products. Lab fee may be required.
Required Course (3 hours)
This course provides an introduction to business analytics, by providing an overview of ‘big data’, data analytics/business intelligence, as well as hands-on use of mainstream commercial data analytics toolsets. Applications will include sport management, marketing, purchasing, and finance oriented analyses. Student will also gain an understanding of data warehouses, data management, and web analytics. Lab fee may be required.
Accounting Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
This course investigates the ethical obligations of accountants and auditors. Specifically, this course will focus on professional responsibilities in the following contexts: corporate governance, financial reporting, audit function, and obligations to prevent and detect fraud. This course also addresses the importance of an accounting professional’s ethical commitment to ensure that their work meets the highest standards of integrity, independence, and objectivity. Lab fee may be required.
Concepts of cost determination, reporting, and control, with emphasis on manufacturing operations, will be examined in this course. Job order systems, process cost systems, and standard cost systems are discussed in context with just-in-time and flexible manufacturing systems. Lab fee may be required.
This course examines the concepts of federal and state income taxes as applicable to the individual. Particular emphasis will be given to planning and compliance reporting. Lab fee may be required.
This course examines concepts of federal and state income taxes as applicable to businesses, including regular corporations, S-corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and sole proprietors. Topics also include trusts and estates.
This course examines concepts of accounting and financial reporting for federal, state, and local government and nonprofit organizations. Lab fee may be required.
This course examines profitability and risk analysis based on economic characteristics of a firm’s business, the strategy a firm uses to compete in its industry, and an understanding of financial statements. Case studies are included. Lab fee may be required.
The Internship Program is designed to expose the student to a variety of practical business environments. This exposure will permit the student to observe and experience firsthand the functioning of their graduate emphasis in business today. International graduate students would need to check with the Lindenwood University International Office on possible effects on the student’s OPT. Student must have 18 hours in the graduate program and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 are required.
Healthcare Administration Specialization: Required Courses
This course presents the techniques and practices behind effective management of people the healthcare profession. It presents the techniques and practices behind effective management of people the healthcare profession on issues of employment law and employee relations, credentialing of healthcare providers, staff recruitment, selection, and retention practices performance management, workforce planning in a rapidly changing healthcare system and nurse staffing in healthcare organizations. Problem-based learning cases will engage students and expand learning comprehension Lab fee may be required.
Public health is concerned with threats to the overall health of a community based on population health analysis. Students will learn about public health from both a global and national viewpoint as well as additional topics of disaster preparedness, public policy and research. Disease prevention via behavior and environmental modification along with the cost effectiveness and benefits of public health interventions and technology use will also be reviewed. Lab fee may be required.
Healthcare Administration Specialization: Electives (Choose 6 hours)
This course will be an in-depth discussion of case setting precedents in healthcare Law. The scope and perspective of the intricacies of healthcare law will be discussed from a management perspective, as well as liabilities of healthcare institutions as they relate to legal issues. Students will learn to analyze, synthesize, and apply current and previously established political, social, economic, and legal indications in the analysis of legal cases as they relate to predominant healthcare issues. Current precedent setting cases and established cases will be fully explored as they relate to and contrast the evolution of healthcare law. Lab fee may be required.
This course reviews the accountability for the protection and dissemination of healthcare information and is an invaluable resource for students and practitioners across the health disciplines. This course provides an overview of health information HIPAA Privacy and Security rules, and Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, and the growth in the utilization of electronic record systems. It introduces other laws and organizations that are critical to the management and protection of health information as well as basic concepts such as compliance, uses of information for coding, and cybersecurity. Standards for conduct and ethical uniformity of practice for the Health Information profession and ethical decision-making matrices will be discussed as a guide to understanding the complexity of solving ethical problems. Lab fee may be required.
This course reviews the current healthcare system, history of quality, and quality issues specific to health care industry. Students will discuss the integration of quality into the strategic planning process. Students will understand the strategic role of quality in the American health care system. Students will learn domains and dimensions of quality and their integration into operational activities into the healthcare organization and a structured approach for reporting quality performance at multiple levels of the organization Students will learn that there are parallels between financial performance and quality performance management. Lab fee may be required.
This course provides the student with the ability to look at developing a strategic plan in a changing environment with changing consumer demands. Additionally, students will discuss healthcare marketing and health promotion applications used in various types of Healthcare organizations. Lab fee may be required.
Human Resource Management Specialization: Required Course
This course is an overview of human resource management and will include exploration of such topics as staffing, training and development, performance management, compensation, labor relations, and employment law, with a primary focus on strategic execution, which integrates HR programs and policies within the framework of an organization’s strategic direction. Lab fee may be required.
Human Resource Management Specialization: Electives (Choose 9 hours)
This course introduces students to methods of employee training and to the role that employee training plays in organizational planning. Particular emphasis will be given to needs analysis, program design and delivery, training methods, learning theory, learning styles, and evaluation and testing. Lab fee may be required.
This course examines basic law as applied to employment issues. Topics include equal employment, affirmative action, employment-at-will, constructive and unlawful discharge, wage and hours issues, mandatory benefits, safety and workers compensation, protected classes, disability issues, workplace accommodation, labor relations, and record keeping requirements. Lab fee may be required.
This course covers phases of the selection and placement process and includes the interview as a multistage process, cognitive structures brought to the selection task by applicants and interviewers, and means of improving the interview as an effective selection and recruiting technique. The course will also deal with concerns of designing and conduct of employee reviews. Lab fee may be required.
This course sets out new approaches, formulas, and software needed to enable any Human Resource (HR) function or organization to forecast trends and to use existing data to their organization’s advantage in order to maximize efficiency and productivity. Students will review software to help them conduct forecasts with certainty to right size any organization. It will emphasize how HR can become a true business partner by rethinking HR?s contribution to the organization in the future. Topics include a specific HR strategic model, reshaping of HR to align itself better with the business, and a number of new tools and techniques to aid in creating real financial value to the organization. Lab fee may be required.
The Internship Program is designed to expose the student to a variety of practical business environments. This exposure will permit the student to observe and experience firsthand the functioning of their graduate emphasis in business today. International graduate Students would need to check with the LU International office on possible effects on the student’s OPT. Student must have 18 hours in the graduate program and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
International Business Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
This course examines aspects of accounting operations within a multinational corporate environment. Key topics of analysis include foreign exchange exposure; translation of foreign-denominated financial statements; consolidated financial statements; transfer pricing; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; and related tax and regulatory issues. Comparison of U.S. and foreign practices in areas such as financial standards and reporting, auditing, and performance measurements is examined. Lab fee may be required.
This course focuses on management issues on an international scale. These issues include: strategy formulation and implementation; organizational structure; managerial decision-making and control; and human resource related topics such as leadership, motivation, employee selection and development. Students will be expected to demonstrate understanding of these concepts and issues through various applications.
This course consists of an assessment of factors of risk in international business ventures, including analysis of domestic and foreign constraints imposed by the political and economic environment of multinational business operations. Special emphasis will be on identifying, evaluating, and neutralizing risks related to international laws, hyper-inflationary economies, nationalization of assets, revolution, war and inconvertibility of currency. The roles of governments in heightening and reducing risks are examined. Lab may be required.
This course focuses on factors which can influence communication between individuals from different cultures. Emphasis will be placed on the theories which help to explain how various cultures think, communicate, and behave. The goal of the course is for students to develop an appreciation for the complexity of cross-cultural communication, to become more aware of their own culturally-based perceptions and patterns of thinking and behaving, and to develop skills for communicating in intercultural business situations. Lab fee may be required.
Leadership Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
Organization development (OD) is the process of planning and implementing interventions to create interpersonal, group, intergroup, or organization-wide change. This course presents the theoretical foundations of organization development as an applied behavioral science. Students will also be introduced to many types of interpersonal, intra-group, intergroup, and organizational interventions that are used to effect comprehensive and lasting changes. Lab fee may be required.
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the function and context of the leadership role in formal organizations through the examination of leadership research and theories of leadership effectiveness. The basis for exercising influence and the situational factors affecting leadership are examined. Emphasis will be on understanding the leadership function as well as developing thinking and action capabilities for improving individual leadership effectiveness. The culminating project will require students to document their own leadership style. Lab fee may be required.
The course focuses on the development and implementation of corporate strategies that enable an organization to create and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Current strategic theories are integrated with strategic practice. Additionally, readings in corporate governance focus on how the corporation should be managed in the best interests of the investors and other stakeholders. Lab fee may be required.
Leadership Specialization: Electives (Choose 3 hours)
This course is an overview of human resource management and will include exploration of such topics as staffing, training and development, performance management, compensation, labor relations, and employment law, with a primary focus on strategic execution, which integrates HR programs and policies within the framework of an organization’s strategic direction. Lab fee may be required.
This course will help students understand organizational communication theories, models, and processes. Focus will be on application of these principles in organizational communication speaking exercises; and the use of effective communication skills in management and leadership settings. Lab fee may be required.
This course is an analysis of primary factors affecting individual and group behavior in organizations and examines the structure and behavior within organizations that impact performance, morale, and profitability. Lab fee may be required.
Management Specialization: Required Course (3 hours)
This MBA elective course develops a foundation of concepts and solutions that supports the planning, scheduling, controlling, resource allocation, and performance measurement activities required for successful completion of a complex project. It examines project management roles and environments, the project life-cycle, and various techniques of work planning, control, and evaluation to achieve project objectives. The tools currently available to project managers are illustrated in this course through the use of Microsoft® Project software. Moreover, the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK® will be used as a basis for content. Lab fee may be required.
Management Specialization: Electives (Choose 9 hours)
This course is an overview of human resource management and will include exploration of such topics as staffing, training and development, performance management, compensation, labor relations, and employment law, with a primary focus on strategic execution, which integrates HR programs and policies within the framework of an organization’s strategic direction. Lab fee may be required.
This course focuses on management issues on an international scale. These issues include: strategy formulation and implementation; organizational structure; managerial decision-making and control; and human resource related topics such as leadership, motivation, employee selection and development. Students will be expected to demonstrate understanding of these concepts and issues through various applications.
This course examines concepts of computer and communications technology for user-managers. The focus is on IT resources (computers, networks, software, data, and people) and alternative approaches to managing them; the opportunities and pitfalls associated with these technologies; and what user-managers need to know. This course will include the examination of these topics through case studies. Lab fee may be required.
This course will help students understand organizational communication theories, models, and processes. Focus will be on application of these principles in organizational communication speaking exercises; and the use of effective communication skills in management and leadership settings. Lab fee may be required.
This course is an analysis of primary factors affecting individual and group behavior in organizations and examines the structure and behavior within organizations that impact performance, morale, and profitability. Lab fee may be required.
Organization development (OD) is the process of planning and implementing interventions to create interpersonal, group, intergroup, or organization-wide change. This course presents the theoretical foundations of organization development as an applied behavioral science. Students will also be introduced to many types of interpersonal, intra-group, intergroup, and organizational interventions that are used to effect comprehensive and lasting changes. Lab fee may be required.
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the function and context of the leadership role in formal organizations through the examination of leadership research and theories of leadership effectiveness. The basis for exercising influence and the situational factors affecting leadership are examined. Emphasis will be on understanding the leadership function as well as developing thinking and action capabilities for improving individual leadership effectiveness. The culminating project will require students to document their own leadership style. Lab fee may be required.
This course provides an introduction to business analytics, by providing an overview of ‘big data’, data analytics/business intelligence, as well as hands-on use of mainstream commercial data analytics toolsets. Applications will include sport management, marketing, purchasing, and finance oriented analyses. Student will also gain an understanding of data warehouses, data management, and web analytics. Lab fee may be required.
The Internship Program is designed to expose the student to a variety of practical business environments. This exposure will permit the student to observe and experience firsthand the functioning of their graduate emphasis in business today. International graduate students would need to check with the LU International office on possible effects on the student’s OPT. Student must have 18 hours in the graduate program and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
This course is designed to meet the individual needs of the MBA student who desires or is required to explore advanced areas of study or undertake special problem analysis, within an area of emphasis. Subject area will normally cover a specific issue, problem, or current topic and will demonstrate the student’s scholarly research abilities and techniques. Topic may require substantial reading with appropriate inference, assessment and conclusions. Permission to register and approval of topic must be obtained from appropriate faculty advisor and the dean prior to registration.
Marketing Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
This course examines issues in conducting marketing research and the variety of research techniques available to the researcher. Students will also analyze the sources of information that guide decision making in business settings. Although some topics will be explored through lecture, particular emphasis will be given to case analyses, situational vignettes, and discussion of current events. A team project at the end of the course will tie together course concepts and allow students to present a comprehensive marketing research plan. Lab fee may be required.
This course provides students an overview of the interplay between all the facets of marketing-promotion, including advertising, PR, sales promotion, publicity, direct marketing, personal selling and the media. It also takes students through the objectives and strategies of product and corporate communications, media planning, media buying and the measurement of integrated communications effectiveness. The course is principally focused on the strategies of consumer persuasion and advocacy; creative campaign preparation; media research, planning and budgeting; traditional and new media management; and the convergence of the new media tools and channels in the contemporary dissemination of targeted marketing messages to 21st century consumers. Lab fee may be required.
This course examines the application of marketing concepts with an emphasis on strategic marketing planning and marketing decision-making. Dynamics of developing a marketing plan with a focus on matching opportunities with a company’s resources are reviewed. Lab fee may be required.
The Internship Program is designed to expose the student to a variety of practical business environments. This exposure will permit the student to observe and experience firsthand the functioning of their graduate emphasis in business today. International graduate students would need to check with the LU International office on possible effects on the student’s OPT. Student must have 18 hours in the graduate program and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
Nonprofit Administration Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
This course is the study of techniques necessary for effective and targeted fundraising campaigns with a focus on specific donors. Emphasis is on financial planning, major gift giving, and planned giving. In addition, this course will provide students with an overview of the essential functions needed to support a comprehensive fund development program. Topics will include: case statements, setting up a development office, information systems, prospect research, direct mail, telephone solicitation, special events, grant writing, prospect research, and major and capital gifts, among others. Students will, in addition to two smaller class assignments related to critical aspects of the fund development process, select a local nonprofit organization in order to synthesize the course material and engage in a hands-on, mini-consulting project related to that organization’s particular fundraising issue or need. Lab fee may be required.
This course is an exploration of human resource management from the beginning of job analysis and design, to recruitment and selection of personnel, performance evaluation, compensation and benefit issues, and training and development for both staff and volunteers. Any differences in the handling of grievances, diversity, discrimination, harassment, and placement issues as they pertain to volunteers, including the board of directors, and paid staff will be discussed and examined. Lab fee may be required.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the governing and regulatory environment associated with nonprofit organizations. Issues will be examined for students who may serve on a nonprofit board of directors, be employed by or work for one of them as a volunteer, or start their own nonprofit organization. The intent is to help students appreciate the complex nature of nonprofit organizations in addition to the legal roles and responsibilities of board members, staff and volunteers. This course will also examine the theory behind governance and law within the nonprofit business sector according to law and custom, ethical concepts, public attitudes, and contemporary legislative and regulatory issues that drive nonprofit organizational culture and executive decision-making. Lab fee may be required.
This course is a review of the steps necessary to do a strategic plan for nonprofit organizations. Students will put together a strategic plan for a local nonprofit organization including an environmental assessment, mission review, discussion of key issues and the strategies for addressing those issues, and develop an implementation action plan. In addition, the class will discuss the process of evaluating programs and planning changes for existing program or development of new programs for a nonprofit organization.
Project Management Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
This MBA elective course develops a foundation of concepts and solutions that supports the planning, scheduling, controlling, resource allocation, and performance measurement activities required for successful completion of a complex project. It examines project management roles and environments, the project life-cycle, and various techniques of work planning, control, and evaluation to achieve project objectives. The tools currently available to project managers are illustrated in this course through the use of Microsoft® Project software. Moreover, the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK® will be used as a basis for content. Lab fee may be required.
This course is a specialized study of project execution. Students will examine issues which arise during a project’s execution. The course will place emphasis on risk, quality, contract and scope management. The course will look at controlling change as the project progresses. Additional topics may include managing troubled projects, implementation planning of a project and closing down of a project. Lab fee may be required.
This course is an in-depth study of the five process groups and 10 knowledge areas encompassed by the Product Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), to consolidate learning in each area and place it within the framework of the Project Management Institutes (PMI) Project Management certification examinations (CAPM® and PMP®). Each week during the course, students will focus on the processes, terminology, and techniques within a chosen knowledge area. In addition, students will apply their learning by working on assigned sample exam questions, and they will create a personal project plan to guide their preparation for taking the certification exam. Lab fee may be required.
Supply Chain Management Specialization: Required Courses (12 hours)
Logistics Management examines the strategic issues and opportunities in the logistics/distribution/transportation function and provides the student with an understanding of why and how this discipline is integral to supply chain management. Logistics processes, including domestic and international transportation management, transportation modes, risk pooling, warehouse management, enabling technologies, third and fourth party logistics, distribution resource planning, as well as environmental responsibilities will be covered. There will be an emphasis on case study. Lab fee may be required.
Procurement Management examines the strategic issues and opportunities in purchasing/supply chain management function and provides the student with an understanding of why and how this discipline is integral to SCM. Purchasing process, procurement cycle, e-procurement, supplier integration, negotiation, contract management, and strategic sourcing are among the topics to be covered. There will be an emphasis on case study. Lab fee may be required.
Request Information
As you’re making your decision about pursuing an online degree, you are likely to have questions. From program information to details about the application process, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.